PITTSBURGH JAZZ

From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlanto Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.

Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s? Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?

Some answers can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.

For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz. One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical. We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it. When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.

Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.

We are very proud to announce that the new set of sizzling, sublime duets, DUALITY, from legendary guitarist Larry Coryell and virtuoso pianist Kenny Drew, Jr. is now available from Random Act Records (www.RandomActRecords.com).

This Enhanced CD (a "making of Video" is on the CD) features three originals from each artist and great standards like "The Night has 1000 Eyes," "Silver's Serenade"…

The first 500 people to go to my website, www.antoinettesings.net will get a FREE download of my original song "WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE", featuring the "soulful" voice of "Shalimar's", Howard Hewett! Listen to my brand new release "CURIOUS LIFE", written by Grammy Winning Producer Roger Hatfield!! BE BLESSED!!!!

Brian has been busy these days with several projects one of which is The Brian Edwards Excursion, a four piece that plays what he calls contemporary V-jazz. His other project is The Brian Edwards Trio which Brian says "we play music without boundries with jazz sensabilities." If you get a chance to see these guys do yourself a favor...GO!

How would you like to have a chance to have one of your songs featured on our new promotional release? We here at Melodic Revolution Records are always searching for great new music to promote. We usually send out a free promo CD sampler with every CD we sell from any of our online stores. So we are…

I wanted to post an early blog announcing that I put together a project called The Brian Edwards Excursion! We will be collaborating with Cafe' Notte on a series of gigs and the first of which will be April 2nd. Cafe' Notte is one of the best places to experience music in the city and we are excited that Jerry and Debbie Santucci are allowing us to launch our project from there!! More info to come as show date approaches.

Jazzin Em Up With Cres O'Neal's Ellis Marsalis Interview Featured In ATT's 28 Days Of Black History Makers Series

Think things can't get any better? Well, think again. Cres O'Neal's November interview with Jazz Master, Ellis Marsalis, has been chosen as one of 28 shows selected for ATT's, 28 Days of Black History Makers. The series which is being featured on Blog Talk Radio, focuses on African American figures who have helped shape the face of our nation. They are being honored through… Continue

A very disappointing response to this question that I posed. A big ZERO respondees. I know that you are waiting for the answer on tenterhooks (LOL). Well, for you jazz historians, the answer is Frankie Trumbauer.

Anthony L. Pasquarelli

Mt. Lebanon

Anthony L. Pasquarelli, 95, of Mt. Lebanon, affectionately known as "The Boss" by his former students, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011. Mr. Pasquarelli was born June 13, 1915, in Pittsburgh, to parents Guy and Maria Pasquarelli. Mr. Pasquarelli is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alice May Pasquarelli; his daughters, Terry McDonald and Suzette (David)…

Consisting of Adrian Tonceanu (Vocals/Guitars), Igor Lazebnik (Vocals/Guitars) and Tyler Koch (Drums/Backup Vocals), Morre was born in early 2008 in Toronto by the common thirst of creating an original yet commercial sound. This band has a unique story behind its upbringing. Traveling from different parts of the world, each member endured hardships as artists, as well as the joys of meeting new characters throughout their journeys. These elements give the band endless topics and weight to their… Continue

Check out my brand new CD "CURIOUS LIFE" written and produced by Grammy Award Winner Roger Hatfield. Roger has worked with and produced Jon Secada, Amy Grant, Donna Summer, and won a Grammy for his videography for Joanie Greggins and (Shalimar's) Jody Watley's exercising video! Also a part in the success for filming for Tom Joyners wife Donna Richardson "BEACH BODY" video!! Check out "CURIOUS LIFE" at www.antoinettesings.net. …